Style Adventures Vol. 14 (Nelsonville, Ohio)

STYLE ADVENTURES 

(Nelsonville, Ohio 10/12)

This post is about how to add to your wardrobe using antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales and other venues. We travel Ohio and beyond discovering unique and stylish items we want to share and the places we found them.

Nelsonville, Ohio is a destination city because of the Rocky Boot Outlet. The outlet is a place you could spend hours shopping for boots and clothing for work and activities like hunting and hiking. There is even a restaurant on the first floor of the outlet where you can get anything from bison burgers to prime rib. Nelsonville is also the birth place of Sarah Jessica Parker, one of my personal favorite style icons.  I have been to Nelsonville a few times  to go to the boot store and had never visited the downtown area which is just literally around the corner. I had no idea there was anything worth checking out for a fashionista until this past Saturday. 

Hoodlett's

 49 W. Columbus St., 

Nelsonville , Oh 45764 

www.facebook.com/Hoodletts

Hoodletts caught my eye as we rode down the street. There was a sidewalk sale with a $5 sign that I could not ignore. I love a bargain and there were plenty in the store that day. The store carries clothing for women and men. They have lots of fun looks for those who gravitate toward bohemian styles. They also carry Under Armor active wear.  The prices are ridiculously affordable.

The $5 Rack

The $5 rack was full of fun dresses and skirts. I found myself attracted to two peasant like dresses at the end of the rack that were The Webster Miami dresses originally made for Target. I selected a pink dress with flamingos even though I knew I probably would not wear it until next spring. What the heck, it was $5!

Inside I noticed a lot of bohemian dresses, bags and jewelry. I see my style as a little bohemian a lot of times, so I was excited.  I am also a huge fan of pattern and there was no shortage of that in the back of the store.  Once you pass all of the active wear in the front of the store, you get into all of the fun stuff. Patterned dresses, skull studded belts and jewelry made from old silverware are some of there great items. 

Skull Studded Belt 

The store seems so out of place in a city of people comfortably rocking their hunting fatigues, ball caps and work boots. It is an oasis in the small city for a girl like me, a place where my style language is understood. Even the manager seemed out of place in the city which she confirmed was not her birthplace. She was an attractive woman who looked like an artist, comfy yet edgy with great effortlessly smudged eyeliner. I was happy to see her and the store.  Check out what I found!

Button earrings $0.50, skull studded belt $6.99, dress $5

9 pairs of button stud earrings for $0.50

I love studs and skulls! You know I bought it!

Feeling good about my purchases! A belt, dress and 9 pairs of earrings for under $14

Look for my new pieces in future closet blog posts! Fashionista's, antiquers & store owners! Got a store or area we should visit? Leave me a comment.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet ( Special NY Edition) September 5, 2013 Part II

Special New York Edition Chris's/Kris's Closet

September 5, 2013

Part II

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in our closets,learn where we found them

 and where we wore them.  

Chris's Closet

I am Christina, the hot pink of ChristinaKristin, welcome to my closet.

On our second full day in New York City, Kristin and I attended the "New York Fashion Week Accessory Showcase", where our jewelry was on display for editors,stylists and bloggers to preview as well as purchase. The theme of the event was "Blazers and Bellinis", so we both opted to pair a blazer with our looks in honor of the theme.  The showcase was at the fabulous "Carlton Hotel" in midtown Manhattan. This is what I wore.

I am so glad that I packed a pair of flats, I assumed that we would have chairs behind our table, but no, we both stood for about 4 hours. I changed my shoes periodically throughout the night.

Tuxedo Blazer: White House Black Market

Tunic mini dress: Nordstrom BP

Pink lace skirt worn as tube top: Meijer

Bow Tie Earrings: ChristinaKristin (if interested in bow tie earrings, please email us, they are not available in our online shop at this time christinakristin1@yahoo.com)

Belt: Ohio Thrift Store

Bracelets: Stella & Dot/Gifts

Pink socks: Hot Topic

Shoes: DSW

Until Next Time,Ciao!

*Chris*

Kris's Closet

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear this outfit and then we were invited to this event. I wanted to wear something that was colorful and fun because I think of our brand as both. I spent most of the night in my Cole Haan flat oxfords since we were standing up all evening but I started the night in heels and threw them back on at the last hour of the event. This is what I wore.

Floral Jacket: by Bahari(purchased second hand at Springfield Antique Center)similar jackets= Jacket 1 & Jacket 2

Shorts: Merona from Target 

Tank: very old, not sure where it originated

Purse: Multi-colored Alma by Louis Vuitton

Shoes: Betsey Johnson (a few years old)

Earrings: AYAinc on Etsy Birthday Gift from Christina 2012 

Bracelets:skull bracelets from JAL Jewelry on etsy (sold out) and bolt bracelets by ChristinaKristin from our Heavy Metal Collection (can be special ordered)

Necklace: Three chain necklace from our Heavy Metal Collection 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Style Adventures Vol. 13 ( Harlem, New York)

STYLE ADVENTURES 

(Harlem NY 9/7 & 9/8)

This post is about how to add to your wardrobe using antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales and other venues. We travel Ohio and beyond discovering unique and stylish items we want to share and the places we found them.

Christina and I spent our Saturday and Sunday walking down streets like Lenox & 125th. We stopped to marvel at pieces and purchased those we could not walk away from. I love Harlem! There is so much culture and history there. When you walk down the streets you are surrounded by music, interesting people and my favorite thing, STREET VENDORS.
When I come to Harlem I look forward to checking out each vendor's table and stopping in interesting stores. I have personally found some of my favorite pieces on the streets of Harlem and that weekend was no different. Check out the pieces we found and the places we found them.

Red Umbrella Jewelry

 Located at the corner of 126th St

Harlem , NY 

www.RedUmbrellaJewelry.com

One of the first things Christina was attracted to was a pair of pink pearl textured spike stud earrings. She bought them for $5. We asked owner Mark if we could take a photo of his stand and he was nice enough to allow us to do so. The intro photo is his as well. Thanks Mark!  He sells handmade and imported jewelry items. 

A little further down the street I found a great pair of wood earrings for myself and a ring made of ceramic and wire. Earrings $10 & Ring $15

Cool Cat

 126 W 125th St

Harlem , NY 

We found a new place that reminded us of a Claires or Icing but better because it catered to our ethnicity and  passions. It was called Cool Cat and housed walls of costume jewelry and accessories. I'd been searching for a decent pair of door knockers and they had the perfect pair for $5. Then Christina ran across some fun knuckle rings that read 'Black Girls Rock!' & 'Natural Girls Rock!' and pointed them out to me. I had a hard time choosing one but I think I made the right decision. Ring $15 Then it broke before I got to wear it. ( Sad Face) I swapped my plain hoops for the door knockers I bought on Saturday. Look for them in a closet post soon.

Door-knockers & knuckle ring

photo courtesy of inhabitat.com

Celebrities Mobile Boutique

 125th (between Lenox Ave & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd)

Harlem , NY 

Christina and I have long talked about owning a mobile boutique and while in Harlem, we finally got to go inside one. We were super excited about Celebrities. The store was equipped with an on hand make up artist, tons of accessories and a few clothing items.  The shop was fun and well merchandised but we were tired and overwhelmed already from all of the walking and lack of great planning.  I left the boutique empty handed only to want something I saw the next day. They had a fun pair of large sparkly lipstick studs. We returned the next day only to find an empty space where the truck stood the day before. Christina found the facebook page using her phone and messaged to see where we could find the truck. We received a quick response saying the were not open on Sundays. I was heartbroken at first because we were leaving that same night. Fortunately they offered to ship the earrings to me and all was right in the world again.

My earrings arrived on Friday. I was all smiles and ready to find a great outfit to pair them with. Check them out below.

Earrings $20 which included shipping

Look for our new pieces in future closet blog posts! Fashionista's, antiquers & store owners! Got a store or area we should visit? Leave me a comment.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Style Adventures Vol. 12 ( Brooklyn, New York)

STYLE ADVENTURES 

(Brooklyn NY 9/5)

This post is about how to add to your wardrobe using antique shops, thrift stores, yard sales and other venues. We travel Ohio and beyond discovering unique and stylish items we want to share and the places we found them.

In a place known for fashion, where full streets are lined with well known designer brands, we still chose to shop second hand. I personally love the hunt for a bargain. So when we decided to head to Brooklyn for some thrifting on the subway, I was super excited. Many times in New York, I have made my rounds to the normal places like H&M and my personal favorite, Century 21 since New York H&M's tend to have more fashion forward pieces than locations at home and we certainly don't have a Century 21. This time I wanted to shop like I would shop if I were still in Columbus but better, being I was guaranteed a better selection in a more fashion forward city. We ended up finding two great places to shop right next to one another. Check out these shops and some of the items we bought!

Buffalo Exchange

 504 Driggs Ave. ( near N. 9th St.)

Brooklyn , NY 11211

www.buffaloexchange.com

I became a fan of Buffalo Exchange when I was first introduced to the shop in Chicago last year. I came out of the store with a dress and some great accessories last summer so I knew I would probably find some great pieces this time around as well. The window displays were super amazing and fall ready. I couldn't help but photograph one of the looks that all of us briefly drooled over even with four individual style philosophies. The store is a place where you can buy, exchange or sell items. I have never sold to them or exchanged for items but buying pieces from them has been a pleasure. You can get clothing items and accessories for women or men that are on trend and/or very fashion foward.

A Buffalo Exchange window display.

While I was excited to be there, I oddly had no motivation to search through the racks. I payed attention  to the easier items like shoes, jewelry, belts and bags. I ran across a great Coach bag I remember wanting when it came out a while ago. Though it was very affordable second hand, I found myself not wanting it as much as I had originally but I did find a couple items I could not live without. I also treated Christina to a black short romper with studs on the shoulders for a Belated Birthday present. I am sure you will see it on a closet post soon.

A fun Coach I briefly considered.

Since I had not shopped at a Buffalo Exchange in over a year, I hadn't realized they made a policy change for their bags.There were no more free plastic bags, you had to pay for a bag. I found myself  annoyed at first at the idea of paying $2 for a bag to carry out items I was purchasing from their establishment. Once I said okay to the purchase it occurred to me that this was about being green. I  found myself using the bag the rest of my trip to carry my snacks, cosmetics, money and other purchases.

Me going green with my Buffalo Exchange shopping tote.

I left the store with a  birthday gift for Christina and for myself, a Top Shop case for sunglasses and a amazing pair of leopard print Moschino dinner gloves. 

Top Shop Sunglass Case $8 & Leopard Moschino Gloves $28

Monk Vintage

 11 N. State St. 

496 Driggs Ave. ( next door to Buffalo Exchange)

Brooklyn , NY 11211

Right next door to Buffalo Exchange we found Monk Vintage. This was a true vintage shop with prices that were sometimes a little high but not necessarily for NY. I had fun trying on fashion sunglasses and looking through 70's polyester tops. I ran across a beautiful mint colored dress that matched the Cole Haan oxfords I was wearing at the time.  I had to try it on. Though it looked great, I left it behind because it was more of a summer dress and I wanted to focus on the current season. 

 Monk had a fun but cluttered look about it. It felt like an attic with neon colored walls. There was merchandise in every possible space but it didn't really bother me. Behind the register there are dolls hanging from their necks. I found the store charming and amusing.

Christina spent most of her time shopping the accessories in Monk, searching through shoes, bags and belts. She came across a Moroccan looking sack that was covered in sequins with tassels on the bottom. She ended up purchasing the bag which she quickly swapped with her original bag. Look for the bag in the last photo.

Christina checking out shoes near the entrance of the store.

Christina & I at Monk Vintage

Christina's new bag! $15

Look for our new pieces in future closet blog posts! Fashionista's, antiquers & store owners! Got a store or area we should visit? Leave me a comment.

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) August 17, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

*Fashion by the Lake*

Saturday I spent the day in Put in Bay with my sister and her friend. We rented a golf cart, winery hopped, checked out Perry's Victory Memorial and more. I knew I would be walking a lot and I wanted to be comfortable so I opted for a cotton dress and flat oxfords. I took my photos all over the island. This is what I wore.

I love when I am able to show you pieces that are so easily accessible. This is my second dress in a row from Target. It is by Merona. I am a huge fan of cheap and polka dots. The mint colored belt came with it and normally I would swap it out but I kept it since it matched my oxfords. Find my dress here.

I found some cheap hoop earrings earlier the same day at a flea market that was at a park up the street from where we were staying. I wanted to keep my earrings simple since I was wearing such a bold necklace.

The necklace I have worn once in Kris's Closet. I found it at a thrift store for $8. The bag is an old DKNY bag.

My oxfords are by Cole Haan. They were a gift from my mom. They are the fresh mint patent 'Tompkins' oxford. I love an oxford for denim, slacks and dresses. 

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

What do you think about my look? 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) July 13, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Saturday was an interesting day. I started the day pulling weeds in the yard which lead me to losing one of my diamonds that belonged to Gramsy Nolan. After I had a fit and made Leo cut the grass to the dirt where I lost it, I realized I needed to simmer down. We got on the road around 2:00pm to Loudonville, Ohio where we walked through some shops. We realized the Mohican Pow-Wow was happening that weekend so we bought tickets at one of the shops and headed that direction. I enjoyed my first Indian taco. I loved the fry bread it was on! After some people watching, shopping the vendors and live music, we left to search for dinner. We stopped at Landoll's Mohican Castle to look around and check out the dinner menu but we ended up eating at Malabar Farm Restaurant in Perrysville. There we sat on the patio and had one of the best meals we have had out together. OMG Lamb Chops! I took these photos at Landoll's Mohican Castle and the Mohican Dam where we ended the trip. This is what I wore.

My look Saturday was simple and comfy since it was so hot. I wore a yellow asymmetrical romper that I got from Shoetique last summer. Find a cute yellow romper here. I tied a red leather belt around the waist (old from Newport News catalog) and slid on my comfy Kenneth Cole Reaction slide on wedges that I bought this spring at a church treasure sale . Find similar belt here. Find similar shoes here.

I created a turban headband look out of a vintage scarf I also bought from the church treasure sale. Since mine is not available, I recommend this cute vintage scarf from American Apparel. My earrings are from a store in Amish Country. I found them this past winter. On the hand to your left is a new hand bracelet. It is the Musiq Accessories Pyramid Hand Bracelet from Nordstrom.   I stacked my wrists with my safari animal bracelets, the Creature Cuff by Tasha (Nordstrom), new giraffe bracelet from (Kohls) sale rack for $7, the Artemis Cuff and Kalahari Bangle from Stella & Dot and a snake wrap bracelet that I found on etsy. The Gucci is an old bag that my friend Dee got tired of and gave to me. 

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by! 

When you leave comments on any blog post you are entered to win a free pair of Heavy Metal earrings. Check them out!

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

Use this anniversary code to receive 20% off anything in the shop! 

(BLOGBDAY1)

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) June 28, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Friday my guy and I planned a day trip with my nephew to Lake Erie. We took him to the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton where we got to feed animals like buffalo, giraffes and zebras through the window of our truck. We watched pig races and checked out the other animal displays. We ran into a bad storm afterward, so we found an Irish Pub downtown Port Clinton called McCarthy's where we ate and rode out the weather. They have these delicious Scotch eggs there! The sun came back out and we walked around the area. I bought some items from the Fisherman's Wharf Bait and Tackle shop that gave me jewelry inspiration. We stopped in Great Lakes Popcorn Co. where we tasted several different flavors of popcorn and left with a couple bags. Then we took the little man to the MarbleHead Lighthouse where we took a ton of photos. The trip ended at Tofts Ice Cream in Sandusky as it usually does when it's just me and Leo in the Lake Erie area. I took my photos near the lighthouse. This is what I wore.

I wanted to be casual and comfortable since we were going to be around animals. I was inspired by the whole idea of a safari and went with a khaki green colored ruffle and studded tank that is originally from New York & Co and denim skinnies that I cuffed by Paige. Find a similar tank here. I paired my outfit with mostly neutral colored accessories. My bucket hat and cross-body bag are both made of straw. They are thrift store finds. I paid $1 for the hat and $2 for the purse. Find a similar hat here and an even cuter purse here.   My bangles are a combination of thrift finds, cultural festival finds and the colorful ones came from Shoetique. The lucite ring is an old piece from Forever 21. My earrings were $1 from the Circleville Former Fireside Inn Yard Sale House. My metallic thong hemp wedges, I paid $2.50 for at a Treasure Sale at a church this past spring. They are by Kenneth Cole Reaction.

This concludes another Kris's Closet. What do you think about my look?

Thank you so much for stopping by! Bonus photos below.

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

Photos I took at the African Safari Wildlife Park.  The animals we fed.

Downtown Port Clinton & Marblehead Lighthouse

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) June 15, 2013

Kris's Closet

In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them

 and where I wore them.  

My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Saturday I spent the day with Leo. We had a patio brunch at DK Diner where I had the craziest Bloody Mary that was garnished with tater-tots, olives and bacon. He took me to a place called Gentiles where they sell wine and beer making supplies. I left there wanting to learn how to make beer and I don't even like beer. The rest of the day we spent riding around Ohio. We stopped at Uptown Westerville where I found a great boutique called Deja Vu and we had ice cream at the area Graters. We ended up in Chesterville, Ohio where we stopped at the Chesterville Flea Market. We both found some items for a great bargain. I took these photos in Uptown Westerville. This is what I wore.

I have had this vintage chevron style dress for many years. I found it at Rag-O-Rama in Clintonville for $12. I love this dress because it fits when I am at my lowest or heaviest weight. This striped dress is right on trend for the season. Find a similar dress here.

I found this zodiac necklace in a thrift store in a suburb of Chicago last year. I think I paid $7 for it. I love zodiac pieces. Find a similar necklace here.

The belt is from Lincoln Mall in Miami, Florida. I bought it from a second hand shop when I was there for a Memorial Day weekend. I can't recall what I spent but it was somewhere between $20 & $30. I couldn't find anything similar to share.

The purse is an old Nine West bag. I bought it over ten years ago. I couldn't tell you what I paid for it. Find similar handbags here and here. The bracelets are mostly from Stella & Dot and Nordstrom. They are from bottom to top: the Cara Cross Knuckle Ring from Nordstrom, snake wrap bracelet from etsy, the Artemis Cuff and Kalahari Bangle from Stella & Dot and the Creature Cuff from Nordstrom.

My shoes are called 'Jayden' by Sam Edelman. I love these. Those of you who follow my looks weekly have probably seen these a lot lately.(In my whisper voice) It's because they are very comfortable. 

This concludes another Kris's Closet. What do you think about my look?

Thank you so much for stopping by! Bonus photos below.

Check out our newest Heavy Metal Collection at our etsy shop! 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

Kris,

The DK All the Way Mary! Garnished with tater-tots, olives and bacon. The best Bloody Mary I have had. At the DK Diner in Grandview Heights.

I love food the way I love fashion. I am a foodie and also enjoy a great cocktail. My favorite meal is brunch. What is your favorite place to do brunch?